Originally Posted by not1bitwise
I'm new to this forum as I just got a crossfire for my daughter for Christmas, the radio works sometimes but lately not at all, it powers up, lights work, can change channels but no sound.
Previous owner says to un-hook the battery to reset the stero but it didn't work last time I tried that.
At this point I'm pretty sure that the amp. is bad from reading these forums.
What would you recomend?
An aftermarket stero with new amp or replace the factory amp?
I'm having problems finding a factory amp without paying factory prices.
Any advice would be appreciated
The thing is, and this is a personal viewpoint, tearing into the factory amp, takes you in both directions - up to the head unit; and down to the factory speakers. I guess you could look up the wiring diagram (its in one of the messages here), trace them to the respective speakers and head unit leads, then wire in a different amp leaving everything else in place. I think the only drivers you will find challenging will be the subs behind the seats because of their non-traditional circuitry. In the end it would be tedious but probably the cheapest option. Then you're just in for the price of the amp, some connectors, and a couple sessions with it.
From a level of effort point of view, it's super easy to swap out the amp. From a cost point of view, you're right - it's not cheap. But you might well spend the money anyway if you either have someone do it, or if you decide that "since you're in there already" you might as well upgrade speakers, etc. Don't forget though - if you go to a different amplifier, you're going to spend a couple dollars anyway.
You know I never thought to suggest it but another option would be to have your factory amp serviced... That might surprise you - for about $50 you can get an estimate with the cost applied to the work if you go forward. I bet for a couple hundred you could be back in business. Trick is who to send it to? I'd ask Becker America or check with customer service through the harman/kardon site and since it is marketed as an Infinity system you could try there for the heck of it. The Chrysler dealer might know but really, it's not in their best interest to tell you so don't be surprised if you get a shrugged shoulders treatment there. I've gone this repair route with a variety of things that some folks might consider disposable and was surprised how cheap repair sometimes can be. While you wait there's always iPod...
Since it wasn't my dime I took the factory amp option. Of course since then I have subscribed to several "tedious" sessions with my system though it has rewarded me with a very satisfying configuration, and a decent savings over the time and cost of a "professional" installer.
Also contact the eBay seller LKQ (?) who sells a lot of Crossfire parts - for as many Crossfires as they part out I am always surprised I don't see more factory amps listed - contact them and asked - I bet they can "harvest" one for you.